Nigel Clough reckons dealing with the expectation next season and getting off to a fast start will be important for Burton Albion following a first relegation in over 40 years.

The Brewers are entering unchartered territory, going into a season without the feeling of success behind them from a previous campaign for a good while.

Albion's past three seasons have all seen them celebrating either promotion or survival, and how Nigel Clough's charges deal with the fallout is going to be "key," he says.

Momentum worked in Burton's favour last season after they were promoted from League One for the first time in their history. However, just their second stint in the third-tier has come as a result of relegation, with Clough very much aware that it'll be a completely different feeling this time around.

Albion's core group have been through the mill during their playing careers, with Kyle McFadzean, Ben Turner, Stephen Bywater and Jake Buxton all having experienced relegation before their respective moves to the Pirelli Stadium.

And it's Bywater that Clough singles out as one of those who he believes will have no problem mentally gearing up for playing third-tier football next season.

As always, the effervescent Bywater is as committed to the cause as one could be.